Home › Porsche › Taycan › 2020
2020 Porsche Taycan: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 92 owner complaints for the 2020 Taycan, more than any other model year in its table[1][2]. In the complaints we read, owners describe electrical and drive power faults, and the car has 16 recalls on file[3][2]., and the car has 16 recalls on file[3][2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 92 owner complaints for the 2020 Porsche Taycan[1]. Two mention a crash, one mentions a fire, one mentions injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system[3] | 53 |
| Engine[4] | 22 |
| Power train[5] | 15 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[6] | 9 |
| Forward collision avoidance[7] | 9 |
| Brakes[8] | 8 |
| Steering[9] | 5 |
| Speed control[10] | 4 |
The electrical group stands out. Its median mileage at failure is 4,900[3]. That is only a median from owner reports, but it means half of the electrical complaints that give a mileage came at or below that figure[3].
We read a small sample of complaint texts for the biggest groups. In that sample, owners describe the car losing drive power while driving, often with a red dash message about a motor, engine, drive system or electrical control error. This showed up in 10 of 12 engine texts[4], 10 of 12 electrical texts[3] and 11 of 12 power train texts[5]. Several owners say the car came back to life after being switched off and on. Three of the 12 electrical texts also mention the 12 V battery[3].
In a sample of 11 forward collision avoidance texts[7], 8 describe automatic braking or a collision warning that kicked in when nothing was ahead. Two of those texts appear twice in the sample[7]. One crash and no injuries are listed for that group[7].
The speed control group lists one crash and one injury[10]. The engine and electrical groups each list one fire[3][4]. We cannot tell from the counts whether those are the same complaint.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2020 Taycan[2]. Newest first:
- Rearview camera (25V896). Dec. 19, 2025[11]. The rearview camera image may not show when the car is in reverse, which can raise crash risk. The recall covers several Porsche models, and the Taycan is one of them. Dealers update the driver assistance software for free[11].
- High-voltage battery (24V731). Oct. 1, 2024[12]. A short circuit inside a battery module can raise fire risk. It covers 2020 to 2023 Taycans. Owners are told to charge to no more than 80% until the repair is done[12]. Dealers replace the affected modules for free[12].
- High-voltage battery (24V732). Oct. 1, 2024[13]. Same short circuit and fire risk. Dealers install diagnostic software as the final remedy, which the recall expected in the first quarter of 2025. Where online data is not available, dealers test the car and replace the battery module assembly if needed. Owners may be told to charge to 80% only until the battery can be replaced[13]. The recall text does not say whether the final remedy is available today.
- Front brake hoses (24V455). June 19, 2024[14]. The front brake hoses can crack and leak brake fluid, which can lengthen stopping distance. Dealers replace the hoses for free[14].
- High-voltage battery (24V217). Mar. 20, 2024[15]. Short circuit and fire risk, with 80% charging advice[15]. Dealers analyze battery data and replace modules as needed, for free[15].
- High-voltage battery (24V215). Mar. 20, 2024[16]. Short circuit and fire risk, with 80% charging advice[16]. Dealers replace the affected modules for free[16].
- Charging cable (23V841). Dec. 13, 2023[17]. When the 220V/240V portable cable is used at the 100% charge setting, some home outlets cannot handle the current, and the outlet or cable can overheat[17]. Owners are told to use only the 110V home cable or public stations[17]. Dealers are to supply a new cable with a temperature sensor once parts are available[17]. The recall text says the replacement parts were anticipated for mid-2024.
- Brake pad warning (23V347). May 16, 2023[18]. The worn brake pad warning showed the wrong color, which could lead to driving on worn pads. Dealers update the instrument cluster software[18].
- Seat belt warning (23V176). Mar. 17, 2023[19]. With an unbelted passenger, the warning light and chime may not work. Dealers update the instrument cluster software[19].
- Rearview camera and screen (22V404). June 8, 2022[20]. A software error could leave the center screen black or make the camera image flicker. Dealers install new software[20].
- Seat wiring (22V278). Apr. 26, 2022[21]. The seat wire harness could be damaged when the seat is adjusted, which may switch off air bags. Dealers inspect and secure the harness and repair damaged wires[21].
- Child seat anchors (22V100). Feb. 22, 2022[22]. On cars with an optional rear center seat, a belt buckle wiring harness may block the child seat anchors. Dealers reroute the harness and replace a damaged buckle if needed[22].
- Rear suspension screws (21V911). Nov. 19, 2021[23]. Control arm screw connections on the rear axle may be loose, which can cause a loss of stability. The recall covers 35 vehicles[23]. Dealers replace the screw connections[23].
- Hazard lights (21V794). Oct. 13, 2021[24]. The automatic hazard lights before a collision may turn on when there is no emergency. Dealers reprogram them[24].
- Brake booster (21V697). Sept. 8, 2021[25]. A rod on the brake booster may be loose and detach, which would make the brake pedal fail. The recall covers 11 vehicles, including some 911 Carrera cars[25]. Dealers repair or replace the booster[25].
- Power train software (21V486). June 29, 2021[26]. Monitoring software can wrongly detect a fault and shut down the power train, causing a loss of motive power. Dealers reprogram the power electronics and the engine control unit[26].
The power train recall and the owner complaints about lost power describe a similar symptom. The recall record does not say whether they share a cause[26][5]. All repairs above are listed as free of charge[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].
Fuel economy and range
The EPA rates the Taycan in MPGe, The EPA rates the Taycan in MPGe. Ratings differ by version[27][28][29]:. Ratings differ by version[27][28][29]:
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 2020 Taycan Turbo and Taycan Turbo S as not rated in its 5-Star Safety Ratings[30][31]. That means there is no star score to compare. Remove the sentence, or write: That means there is no star score to compare.
Engine and size
EPA lists the 2020 Taycan with an electric motor rated between 482 and 616 hp, depending on version[32].
Dimensions below are for the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S 4 door sedan[33]. They are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[33].
How 2020 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92 | 16 |
| 2021 | 72 | 22 |
| 2022 | 80 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 | 11 |
| 2024 | 9 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 |
NHTSA counts for each Taycan model year[2]:
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 92 | 16 |
| 2021 | 72 | 22 |
| 2022 | 80 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 | 11 |
| 2024 | 9 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 | 4 |
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
The 2020 model year has the most complaints of any year listed. For recalls, 2021 is higher, with 22 against 16 for 2020[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are best read as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2020 Taycan?
The 2020 Taycan has more owner complaints on file than any other Taycan year, and they cluster around electrical faults and loss of drive power[3][2]. It also carries 16 recalls, including four about the high-voltage battery and a power train software recall[12][13][15][16][26][2]. Before buying, ask for the VIN and check with a Porsche dealer or NHTSA that each recall repair has been done. Pay attention to the battery recalls, since one of them describes a final remedy that the recall text expected in early 2025[13]. The facts here do not cover price, battery size, charging speed or warranty, so you will need other sources for those.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Porsche Taycan?
- NHTSA lists 92 complaints, and the electrical system group is named most often with 53[1][3]. In a small sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe the car losing power while driving[3][4][5].
- How many recalls does the 2020 Porsche Taycan have?
- NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2020 model year[2]. Four concern a possible short circuit in the high-voltage battery[12][13][15][16].
- What is the range and fuel economy of the 2020 Taycan?
- The EPA rates the Taycan Turbo at 69 MPGe combined and 201 miles of range[27]. The Turbo S is rated 68 MPGe and 192 miles, and the 4S Perf Battery Plus 69 MPGe and 203 miles[28][29].
- Is the 2020 Taycan the worst year for complaints?
- It has the most complaints in NHTSA's table, with 92 against 72 for 2021 and 80 for 2022[2]. For recalls, 2021 is higher with 22 against 16[2].
- How much horsepower does the 2020 Taycan have?
- EPA lists a rating of 482 to 616 hp, depending on version[32].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 92 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Porsche Taycan (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Porsche Taycan model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 53 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,900). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V896, filed December 19, 2025: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V731, filed October 1, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V732, filed October 1, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V455, filed June 19, 2024: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V217, filed March 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V215, filed March 20, 2024: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V841, filed December 13, 2023: Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable / Cord › Onboard. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V347, filed May 16, 2023: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V176, filed March 17, 2023: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V404, filed June 8, 2022: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V278, filed April 26, 2022: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V100, filed February 22, 2022: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V911, filed November 19, 2021: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V794, filed October 13, 2021: Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V697, filed September 8, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V486, filed June 29, 2021: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu / Ecm) › Software. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 69 MPGe combined, 201 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan Turbo S, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 68 MPGe combined, 192 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Taycan 4S Perf Battery Plus, electric, Automatic (A2), Electricity: 69 MPGe combined, 203 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2020 Porsche Taycan with electric motor: rated 482 to 616 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAYCAN TURBO / TURBO S 4DR SEDAN: length 195 in, width 78 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 5,132 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov